Bowers & Wilkins ISW-3 User manual

ISW-3

2
ENGLISH
www.bowers-wilkins.com
Welcome to Bowers & Wilkins and ISW-3
Thank you for choosing Bowers & Wilkins. When John Bowers
rst established our company he did so in the belief that
imaginative design, innovative engineering and advanced
technology were keys that could unlock the enjoyment of audio
in the home. His belief is one that we continue to share and it
inspires every product we design.
ENGLISH
Contents
ENGLISH 2
1 Contents 3
2 Applications 3
3 Installation in-ceiling 4
4 Installation in-wall 6
5 Installation under the oor 9
6 Installation in a kitchen unit 12
7 Running in 14
8 Aftercare 14

3
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Figure 2
1 Contents
Check that you have the following components
shown in Figure 1:
a. Subwoofer
b. Louvre fascia (white)
c. Louvre (black)
d. Cowl extension
e. Cut-out template
f. Gasket strips
g. Angle support brackets
h. No.8 x 12mm (0.5in) screws
i. M3 x 35mm (1.38in) button head screws
j. Support bar
k. Rubber feet & locknuts
l. No.4 x 10mm (0.38in) csk screws
m. No.6 x 25mm (1in) csk screws
In addition, you should also have a Quick Start
Guide and warranty leaet. This manual provides
more detail than the Quick Start Guide.
Consult your dealer if any parts are missing or
appear damaged.
2 Applications
There are four possible applications, each covered
by a separate section:
In-ceiling - new construction only (Figure 2)
Go to Section 3.
In-wall - new construction only (Figure 3)
Go to Section 4.
Under the oor (Figure 4)
Go to Section 5.
In a kitchen unit (Figure 5)
Go to Section 6.
Figure 3
Figure 4
a1x b1x c1x d1x
f2x
j1x
g4x
k3x
h8x
l10x
i2x
m3x
e1x
Figure 1
Figure 5

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3 Installation in-ceiling
The speaker will t between joists with standard
40cm (16in) or greater spacing, such that the visible
louvre straddles the gap between them. A clearance
of 25cm (10in) or greater behind the underside face
of the joists is required.
Mark the centre line of the desired louvre position on
the underside face of the joists at each side. Make
two further marks on both joists at approximately
75mm (3in) and 380mm (15in) from the louvre centre
line for the cabinet support brackets (Figure 6).
Screw the four L-brackets (g) as shown to the inside
vertical faces of the joists (screws not supplied),
ensuring the brackets are square and ush with the
underside face of the joists.
Run appropriate gauge speaker cable to the
installation point. Secure it to the joists so it cannot
rattle, with the nal tie point close to the marked
louvre centre line near the top of the joist. Leave
approximately 30cm – 50cm (12in - 20in) free at the
end (Figure 7).
Attach the support bar (j) to the cowl using the
three No.6 x 25mm screws (m) and pre-drilled holes
(Figure 8).
Remove the backing paper and apply the two
self-adhesive gasket strips (f), one to the support bar
and one to the cabinet at the other side of the louvre
frame. These will bear on the drywall panel to avoid
rattles (Figure 9).
Lift the speaker to rest as shown on the four
L-brackets. If the joist spacing is too great to allow
screwing through the brackets into the cabinet, a
custom support method will need to be applied by
the installer.
Line the centre of the louvre aperture with the marks
on the joists and square it up relative to the walls.
Fix the cabinet position, using the No.8 x 12mm
self-tapping screws (h) through the L-brackets into
the cabinet (Figure 10).
The louvre frame will protrude below the bottom face
of the joists.
Strip the ends of the cable and connect to the spring
terminals on the cabinet, observing correct polarity.
To prevent rattles, secure the excess cable using the
cable tie attached to the subwoofer (Figure 11).
4
Figure 8
Figure 10 Figure 11
g
Figure 6 Figure 7
a
j
m
x 3
m
f
f
f
Figure 9
a
h
x 8
h
+
380mm (15in)
380mm (15in)
75mm (3in)
75mm (3in)

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Use the cut-out template (e) to mark the aperture on
the drywall panel. The six protrusions correspond
to the outer dimensions of the louvre fascia and are
provided to indicate necessary clearance. Do not
mark round these protrusions, but rather along the
dotted lines that cross them (Figure 12).
At this point, you may apply exible mastic to the
face of the subwoofer cabinet to prevent rattles
against the ceiling panel.
Fit the frywall panels to the ceiling joists (Figure 13)
and apply the nal skim coat.
Paint the ceiling at this stage and, if desired, paint
the louvre fascia moulding (b) to match. The part will
take all normal wall paints.
Attach the louvre (c) to the front of the opening
and secure it to the louvre frame using the two M3
machine screws (i) through the two bars. Do not
over-tighten. There should be slight bending tension
in the two louvre bars, but the surround should not
be distorted or the fascia will not t correctly.
Clip the fascia (b) to the louvre (c) (Figure 14).
5
Figure 14
e
Figure 12
Figure 13
i
b
c
x 2
i

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6
Figure 15
4 Installation in-wall
The subwoofer is too deep to t into a standard
nominal 100mm (4in) thick wall, but may be tted
into custom furniture or closet that accommodates
its depth and that has studs with standard 40cm
(16in) or greater spacing.
In most situations, the visible louvre will be required
to be low on the wall, just above the skirting board.
In that case, the cabinet will be oriented with the
cowl at the bottom.
On the front face of the studs each side of the
subwoofer, draw a horizontal line marking where the
centre line of the louvre fascia should be (Figure 15).
Run appropriate gauge speaker cable to the
installation point. Secure it to the studs so it cannot
rattle, with the nal tie point close to the marked
louvre centre line. Leave approximately 30cm –
50cm (12in - 20in) free at the end (Figure 16).
Screw the four L-brackets (g) to the sides of the
subwoofer cabinet as shown using two No.8 x
12mm (0.5in) screws (h) per bracket. (Figure 17)
The vertical position of the brackets is not critical,
but make sure they are ush with the front of the
cabinet.
It is not essential, but it is easier to t the subwoofer
if you support it temporarily underneath to bring the
louvre to the correct height.
Slide the subwoofer into the desired mounting
position (Figure 18).
Mark the outline of the brackets on the front of the
studs. (Figure 19)
Then remove the subwoofer and rebate the studs
between the mark lines as shown to a depth of
2mm (0.08 in) so that the brackets do not bulge the
drywall panel when tted (Figure 20).
Figure 16
Figure 17 Figure 18
x 8
h
g
h
Figure 19 Figure 20
2mm (0.08in)

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7
Figure 21
Screw the support bar (j) to the top of the cowl as
shown using the three No.6 x 25mm (1in) screws (m)
into the pre-drilled pilot holes (Figure 21).
Remove the backing paper and apply the two self-
adhesive gasket strips (f), one to the support bar
and one to the cabinet at the other side of the louvre
frame. These will bear on the drywall panel to avoid
rattles (Figure 22).
Bring the subwoofer close to its intended position.
Strip the ends of the cable and connect it to the
spring terminals, observing the correct polarity. Then
secure the cable to the cowl using the cable tie to
prevent rattles (Figure 23).
Using the support block if required, offer the
subwoofer into position, with the support brackets
sitting in the rebates in the studs. Screw the
brackets to the studs (screws not supplied)
(Figure 24).
When secure, you may remove the temporary
support block.
Figure 22
Figure 23 Figure 24
a
j
m
x 3
m
f
f
f
+

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8
Figure 25
Use the cut-out template (e) to mark the aperture on
the drywall panel. The six protrusions correspond
to the outer dimensions of the louvre fascia and are
provided to indicate necessary clearance. Do not
mark round these protrusions, but rather along the
dotted lines that cross them (Figure 25).
At this point, you may apply exible mastic to the
face of the subwoofer cabinet to prevent rattles
against the drywall panel.
Fit the frywall panels to the studs (Figure 26) and
apply the nal skim coat.
Paint the wall at this stage and, if desired, paint the
louvre fascia moulding (b) to match. The part will
take all normal wall paints.
Attach the louvre (c) to the front of the opening
and secure it to the louvre frame using the two M3
machine screws (i) through the two bars. Do not
over-tighten. There should be slight bending tension
in the two louvre bars, but the surround should not
be distorted or the fascia will not t correctly.
Clip the fascia (b) to the louvre (c) (Figure 27).
Figure 26
Figure 27
e
i
b
c
x 2
i

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9
Figure 28
5 Installation under the oor
The speaker will t between joists with standard
40cm (16in) or greater spacing, such that the visible
louvre straddles the gap between them. A clearance
of 25cm (10in) or greater behind the top of the joists
is required.
The product is not recommended if the oor is to
be covered by a thick carpet. Very short pile carpet,
such as carpet tiles, may be accommodated with
care.
Mark the centre line of the desired louvre position on
the top face of the joists at each side (Figure 28).
Run appropriate gauge speaker cable to the
installation point. Secure it to the joists so it cannot
rattle, with the nal tie point close to the marked
louvre centre line near the bottom of the joist. Leave
approximately 30cm – 50cm (12in - 20in) free at the
end (Figure 29).
Attach the four support brackets to the sides of the
cabinet as shown, using two No.8 x 12mm screws
(h) per bracket. The lateral position of the brackets is
not critical, but ensure they are set ush with the top
surface of the cabinet when the cowl opening faces
upwards.
Lay the speaker between the joists, supported by
the brackets overlapping the joists (Figure 31).
If the joist spacing is too great to allow screwing
through the brackets into the joists, a custom
support method will need to be applied by the
installer.
Align the louvre frame with the marks on the beams,
making sure it is square to the wall and mark the
outline of the brackets on the joists.
Remove the subwoofer and rebate the joists to
a depth of 2mm (0.08 in) to accommodate the
thickness of the brackets (Figure 32).
Screw the support bar (j) to the top of the cowl as
shown using the three No.6 x 25mm (1in) screws (m)
into the pre-drilled pilot holes (Figure 33).
Figure 29
Figure 31
a
j
m
x 3
m
Figure 32 Figure 33
Figure 30
g
h
x 8
h
h
2mm (0.08in)

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+
f
f
f
10
Figure 34
Remove the backing paper and apply the two self-
adhesive gasket strips (f), one to the support bar
and one to the cabinet at the other side of the louvre
frame. These will bear on the oor boarding to avoid
rattles (Figure 34).
Bring the subwoofer close to its intended position.
Strip the ends of the cable and connect it to the
spring terminals, observing the correct polarity. Then
secure the cable to the cowl using the cable tie to
prevent rattles (Figure 35).
Place the subwoofer in position, with the brackets
resting in the rebates, and secure it to the joists by
screwing through the support brackets (screws not
supplied) (Figure 36).
Figure 35
h
Figure 36

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11
Figure 37
If using sheet ooring, use the cut-out template
(e) to mark the aperture on the oor panel. The six
protrusions correspond to the outer dimensions
of the louvre fascia and are provided to indicate
necessary clearance. Do not mark round these
protrusions, but rather along the dotted lines that
cross them (Figure 37).
At this point, you may apply exible mastic to the
face of the subwoofer cabinet to prevent rattles
against the underside of the oor surface.
For sheet ooring boards, t the board with the
louvre cut-out in place.
For strip planking oors, t the planks around the
protruding louvre frame
Where appropriate (see the comment at the start of
this section), lay the carpet and cut a hole through to
match the hole on the oorboards.
If desired, paint the louvre fascia moulding.
Attach the louvre (c) to the front of the opening
and secure it to the louvre frame using the two M3
machine screws (i) through the two bars. Do not
over-tighten. There should be slight bending tension
in the two louvre bars, but the surround should not
be distorted or the fascia will not t correctly.
Clip the fascia (b) to the louvre (c) (Figure 39).
Figure 39
h
e
Figure 38
i
b
c
x 2
i

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a
d
l
x 10
l
f
12
Figure 40
6 Installation in a kitchen unit
The subwoofer will rest on the bottom shelf of the
unit and vent through the toekick panel below the
door.
Remove the backing paper and x one of the gasket
strips (f) to the cowl extension, along the edge of its
louvre frame.
Attach the cowl extension (d) to the louvre frame on
the main cabinet, using the 10 No.4 x 10mm screws
(l) into the pre-drilled pilot holes (Figure 40).
There is a pre-tted gasket on the louvre frame
moulding attached to the cowl. This must be
compressed when tting the exrtension and the pilot
holes will not line up unless the gasket is properly
compressed.
Ensure the locknuts are fully screwed down on the
threaded stems of the rubber feet (k) and screw
all three feet fully into the threaded inserts in the
subwoofer cabinet (Figure 41).
Make a mark on the toekick panel 30mm
(1.2in) down from the surface of the bottom
shelf. The top of the cut-out in the panel
must not come below this line (Figure 42).
Using the supplied template, mark the cut-
out on the toekick panel as desired, making
sure the top of the template is at or above
the mark and that it is squarely aligned.
Cut the hole in the toekick panel and another in the
bottom shelf of the unit to clear the cowl extension.
The front of the hole in the shelf should be ush with
the back of the toe-kick panel (Figure 43).
Run appropriate gauge speaker cable to the
installation point.
Figure 43
h
Figure 41
k
x 3
k
30mm (1.2in)
Figure 42
e

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13
Figure 44
Place the subwoofer on the bottom shelf. Unscrew
the feet as required to align the cowl extension vent
with the cut-out in the toekick panel. Keeping the
feet still, screw the locknuts up to the subwoofer
cabinet to maintain position (Figure 44).
Strip the ends of the cable and connect it to the
spring terminals, observing the correct polarity. Then
secure the cable to the cowl using the cable tie to
prevent rattles (Figure 45).
If desired, paint the louvre fascia moulding.
Attach the louvre to the front of the opening and
secure it to the louvre frame using the two M3
machine screws (item 11) through the two bars.
Do not over-tighten.There should be slight bending
tension in the two louvre bars, but the surround
should not be distorted or the fascia will not t
correctly.
Clip the fascia to the louvre (Figure 46).
h
Figure 45
+
Figure 46
x 2
i
b
c
i

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14
7 Running in
The performance of the speaker will change subtly
during the initial listening period. If the speaker has
been stored in a cold environment, the damping
compounds and suspension materials of the drive
units will take some time to recover their correct
mechanical properties. The drive unit suspensions
will also loosen up during the rst hours of use. The
time taken for the speaker to achieve its intended
performance will vary depending on previous storage
conditions and how it is used. As a guide, allow up
to a week for the temperature effects to stabilise and
15 hours of average use for the mechanical parts to
attain their intended design characteristics.
However, longer run-in periods (as long as a month)
have been reported and there is evidence to suggest
that this has little to do with the speaker changing
and more to do with the listener getting used to the
new sound.
h
8 Aftercare
The subwoofer should require no maintenance,
other than to periodically remove and clean the
louvre fascia.
If the subwoofer is mounted under the oor,
periodically remove the louvre fascia and vacuum
the cowl cavity to remove any debris that may have
fallen through (Figure 35).